Passenger traffic through major Thai airports soared 13.73% in the first quarter to reach a record of 32.32 million people.

Robust tourism coupled with the popularity of budget airlines contributed to growth in the January-March period.

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) increased their passenger volume by 20.06% during the period to 13.49 million, representing 41.73% of overall passenger traffic through the six airports operated by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT).

The surge in combined passenger throughput was accompanied by a 9.47% increase in aircraft movements (take-offs and landings), which numbered 197,913. LCCs accounted for 82,972 of that sum, up 8.14% over the same period last year.

Four of the six AoT-run airports recorded double-digit growth in combined passenger traffic.

Bangkok's Don Mueang, serving as a hub for fast-growing, no frills carriers, showed the highest growth rate in the first quarter. Hat Yai airport's volume, by contrast, showed the slowest growth.

According to AoT figures, Don Mueang handled 8.85 million, a 23.12% increase, while Hat Yai only grew 3.49% to 925,748.

Suvarnabhumi, Thailand's gateway and largest airport, increased its passenger traffic by 8.03% to 15.27 million.

Phuket, the country's third-busiest airport, which periodically suffers from overcrowding, saw an 18.72% increase in passenger throughput to 4.26 million.